The government is set to launch a "seedling distribution" program for affected farmers as soon as the volcano stops spewing lava and ash plumes, which began earlier this week.

Provincial officials are also planning other rehabilitation methods for affected farms.

As of Wednesday, the Philippines' most active volcano continued to spew thick pillars of smoke and ash.

The lava fountain gushed up to 3 to 5 kilometers, while the ash column drifted westward towards the second and third districts of Albay, said Ed Laguerta of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

At least 40,000 residents living near the foot of the volcano have fled their homes as alert level 4, the second highest warning in a 5-tier alert system, remains hoisted over parts of the province.